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- Sherpa Peak
8,626 ft · Stuart Range, Washington
Sherpa Peak
Sherpa Peak is an 8,626 ft peak in the Stuart Range, Washington. The standard route is the West Ridge: 13 mi, 7,100 ft of gain, Class 5.
Photo: Peter Stevens, CC BY 2.0
Sherpa Peak at a glance
- Elevation8,626 ft2,629 m
- RouteWest RidgeClass 5
- Distance13 mi7,100 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeStuart RangeWashington
Climbing the West Ridge
From Cle Elum, take SR 970 and North Fork Teanaway Road, then FR 9737 to the Esmeralda trailhead at its end. Climb the Ingalls Way and Longs Pass trails over Longs Pass and drop to Ingalls Creek, where most parties camp. Walk east to the Beverly-Turnpike junction, then climb a climber's path and loose gullies to a high basin and the Stuart-Sherpa col. The West Ridge starts with a short Class 4 ramp, then several pitches lead to a 5.4 crux on good granite, with about six rappels down. Bring a rope and light rack. A Northwest Forest Pass is required and you fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
- Rockfall
Quests with Sherpa Peak
Washington 100 HighestPeaks near Sherpa Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Sherpa Peak?
Sherpa Peak is 8,626 feet (2,629 m) tall. It is in the Stuart Range, Washington.
How hard is it to climb Sherpa Peak?
The West Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 7,100 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Sherpa Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Sherpa Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a rope to climb Sherpa Peak?
Most parties bring one. The West Ridge is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Sherpa Peak?
The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Sherpa Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list